I was banded on June 24. I have not had a full yet but I seem to be able to eat what seems to be about the same prior to banding. Is this normal? I can't get my first fill til aug 8. I am trying to control it. I have lost some weight since being banded not much though. Does the weight seem to come off more once you get a fill?

yes it is common. YOu may not feel any restriction for numerous months and or numerous fills. I am 9 months out....have had 9 fills and no restriction yet for me but Im sure it will be soon...I am at 9 3/4 cc in my 14 band. I did just get a fill on tues...I really havent been hungry today at all...MAYBE it is starting to get there now BUT I just got thru with the flu for a couple of days so maybe that is it more so...will know in a week or so if any change. It is very frustrating but I know I will get there and it has been a snails pace for me for loss's but I do have some and grateful for that

Hang in there..will be a regular diet for maybe some time?!

Weight loss comes from eating less calories than you burn. The fills help to suppress your appetite making it easier to eat less food but the band's job isn't to physically stop you from eating. Here's a great explanation from Dr. Simpson:

"The Lap-band is NOT about Restriction

When talking about the band, some patients talk about restriction. Let's first be clear about one thing: the purpose of the band is not restriction; the purpose of the band is to lose weight by suppressing the appetite.

When band professionals talk about restriction we are talking about something totally different than "restricting what a person eats." In fact, many band surgeons avoid talking about restriction so as to not confuse patients. The band works by dimming the appetite, and this provides a conscious control and decision made by the patient, it does not work by "making" a person do something, or keep them from eating too much.

The Lap-band works by suppressing your appetite

As a result, you are less interested in food between meals, making it easier to resist temptation. The analogy is when you are near a vending machine when you are hungry-- what do you do? Probably find yourself with some junk food that is not a part of your plan. But, when you pass a vending machine when you are full, it may not even catch your eye. Having the appetite dimmed makes you less tempted by the many food choices modern living throws at you - -this is what the band does, by suppressing appetite you become less interested in food."

Here's the entire article, it has a lot of great info: http://drsimpson.net/fills/Lap-band-eating/lap-band-not-restriction/lap-band-and-restriction.html

Best wishes.

Don't feel bad, I had the same question. I got banded on the 10th of July. I am obviously able to eat more of a variety of food than most are allowed post surgery and/or able to eat. I do feel restriction though. I can only eat little bits a time. I have lost a little wait post surgery but not at a dramatic speed. So we will see. The main thing right now is to heal. You are almost to your first fill. So update us afterward.

I feel the same way! I can eat the same amount I could pre-band, but I do see some differences because I did throw up today when I ate too fast and a few things feel tight doing down. I actually like feeling those things because it reminds me that the band is really there! When I really do eat really slow and take small bites and chew a lot, I definitely eat less just because I'm not shoveling it all in before I even know I'm stuffed. I feel satisfied, but not full, and feel like I've been eating for a while so I'm done. It works! I just need to make myself eat slowly EVERY meal, and not just when I'm afraid I'll throw up lol.

I am in the same boat as you. I am now 1 month post op with no fill. I am always hungry. I eat chicken at 2 and hungry again by 4. I was doing well with sticking to my caloric intake (1,000cal) but here in the past 3 days, I have been going over. But I am not going to sit here in misery while hunger consumes my every thought. I am making smart choices in what I eat, and only eating no more than 1 cup of food at a time. But instead of 3 meals a day its more like 5.

You're not alone - I can't wait to use this tool as it's supposed to be used. Right now I'm working solely on will power and it's tough! I don't have will power that's why I needed help. I'm trying to be patient but it's hard, I'm counting down the days until my next fill lol. Good luck!